Which we hope will assist you in finding your quality, used piano.

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Further Advice & Considerations

With the exception of the cast iron frame or plate, just about any part of a piano can be replaced or repaired.

There are piano supply warehouses around that can supply virtually any parts a piano technician or rebuilder might need: Hammers, dampers, and all action parts, strings, tuning pins, pinblocks, soundboards, bridges, keys, and certain case parts are often replaced on better-quality, and even medium-quality pianos. Inevitably, frame, pinblock or soundboard repair is fairly costly, and the ultimate value of the instrument may not justify such major repairs.

For most lower quality pianos, when the pinblock or soundboard goes, it is, unfortunately, time to scrap the piano.

If you do choose to buy a used piano privately, you should appreciate that extra costs on top of the purchase price will be inevitable. Although you'll find that buying privately is usually much cheaper than buying from a dealer, it should be taken into account that the piano in someone’s home may not have been serviced regularly. The cost will be on you to have any necessary repairs done, have it regulated properly and tuned.

Also take into consideration removal costs, which can also be expensive, especially where stairs are involved! There are many pianos in people’s homes which are in fine condition, but there are also many more which are not – and just because you like the look of a piano, it doesn’t mean that it is going to be a good buy!

As we have said at the beginning of this guide, you should view purchasing a secondhand piano as you would do a car; Just because a used car may look shiny and newish, it's what's under the bonnet that really counts. What is the mileage? Has it been serviced regularly? Is there any accident damage? Are some parts so worn that they will only keep working for a limited time before they need replacing?

Having said this, there are bargains out there to be found, and we would encourage you to look at these instruments objectively, and realistically, and to make sure that you know what you are looking for when you turn up to view an instrument. This could well save you a lot of money!

We hope we have assisted you in finding your quality, used piano....

Our Final Top Tip If you do fall in love with the charms of an older piano, then it can be something like falling in love with a beautiful, but neglected vintage car. The expense of restoration is often worthwhile, but it will, ultimately, make the piano far more expensive than most new, or newer instruments. It is certainly true that many old pianos were made very well and solidly, with characteristic qualities often not found in modern pianos. Fortunately, their technology has not evolved very much in the last hundred years, so components are still widely available, and in the hands of an experienced Tuner/Technician, an old piano can be made like new again.

We'd love to hear your feedback.... Thankyou!

Coming soon... We are currently working on improved Printable Checklists and Advice Sheets.Meanwhile, we hope that we have given you enough information to recognize a good piano.And, of course, we wish you all the best in finding the piano that's right... for You!